It's only rock and roll, but we like it: Chamber Connection

As explained in last week’s column, the St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce is a private, nonprofit association and receive no funding through government sources or tax dollars. Our operations are supported by the membership dues-investments-and non-dues revenues from sponsorships, fundraising activities and events. There’s a lot of business going on to write about in this space, but during a meeting of all of our active committee chairmen this week, it was agreed today’s topic should be fun!

Start planning now how you will dress at the St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce Rock 'n Roll Raffle fundraiser. NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune archive

In this process of all the business and public policy issues our mission demands we address, we realize we have to have some fun! Our hard working volunteers like to have something to look forward to. Our annual $10,000 Raffle Party is the premier annual FUNdraiser for the Chamber, and has become the biggest end-of-summer blowout party on the north shore. You’ll want to save the date of Aug. 17 because we have some exciting changes in store for you. Chaired by Phoebe Whealdon, the committee has changed the theme to, “Rock ‘n Roll Raffle.” It will highlight some of the best music throughout the decades and will feature six-time winner of the prestigious Offbeat Magazine Awards, the horn-powered Bucktown All-Stars.

No matter what decade you grew up in - or wish you had grown up in - come to the Castine Center from 7 to 11 pm, dressed as your favorite rock and roller. Don your favorite poodle skirt, saddle oxfords and leather jacket from the 50s. Or do you prefer the tie-dyed shirts, bell bottoms and psychedelic rock of the flower children and hippies from the 60s? And whether you heard it on Soul Train or American Bandstand, the disco music (think “Saturday Night Fever” suits and platform shoes) from the 70s was all good! Were you from the “I want my MTV “generation, listening to Madonna and Michael Jackson? Then dig out those leg warmers from the 80s!

Of course, what’s a party without food and drink? For each $125 ticket donation, two guests will enjoy delicious food served by more than 20 local restaurants, joining in the fun with “rock and roll” themed treats and libations. Besides the change in band and theme this year, the traditional auction held in conjunction with our installation and awards banquet has been moved to this party. Even the silent auction will be fun to view and bid on, with all sorts of goodies reminiscent of the decades – from a “British Invasion” gift basket to a rockin’ weekend in the French Quarter, and who knows what else?!

And if that’s not enough fun for you, one ticket also gives you the chance to win $10,000! That’ll buy our winner a lot of concert tickets! Ticket holders do not need to be present to win, but who’d want to miss this party? And since ticket sales are limited to only 500, the odds of winning are much better than the lottery!

Whether you listen to rock music on an album, 8-track tape, cassette, CD or iPod, spread the word to your friends, co-workers or neighbors and save the date of Aug. 17. Share our invitation from our Chamber Facebook page to yours!

Tickets will be available at the end of May. But if you call our office at 985-892-3216 or email info@sttammanychamber.org so we will can add your name to the ticket-hold list!

Lacey Toledano is the St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce’s President and CEO. She can be contacted at info@sttammanychamber.org.